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Factors associated with quality of life in outpatients with head and neck cancer 6 months after diagnosis
Author(s) -
Rogers Laura Q.,
Rao Krishna,
Malone James,
Kandula Praveen,
Ronen Ohad,
Markwell Stephen J.,
Courneya Kerry S.,
Robbins K. Thomas
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.21084
Subject(s) - medicine , head and neck cancer , quality of life (healthcare) , depression (economics) , head and neck , radiation therapy , cancer , gastrostomy , stage (stratigraphy) , medical record , physical therapy , surgery , paleontology , nursing , biology , economics , macroeconomics
Abstract Background Identifying patients with head and neck cancer at greatest risk of poor health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) will facilitate screening for such patients and targeted interventions. Methods This was a cross‐sectional, self‐administered survey with medical record review among 65 out‐patients with head and neck cancer >6 months from diagnosis and off treatment. Results Most were men (80%) and white (95%), with a mean age of 60 ± 13 years. The most prevalent cancer type was squamous cell (88%), site was pharyngeal (40%), and stage was III or IV (80%). Lower total HRQOL was independently associated with gastrostomy ( p < .001) and history of radiation therapy ( p < .05)( R 2 = 0.27). Certain HRQOL subscales were also independently associated with depression, body mass index, age, and education. Conclusions Several factors can be used to identify patients with head and neck cancer at risk for persistent reductions in HRQOL requiring intervention. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2009